Staunton Economic Development Director Bill Hamilton at the new
Green Hills Industry and Technology Center

by Su Clauson-Wicker

When
youre as proud of your past as the City of
Staunton, Virginia, its a compliment to hear youre looking older. And that
is exactly what is happening in downtown Staunton, according to city economic development
director Bill Hamilton.

"We called it Our
Big Dig" Hamilton says. "Weve buried our utility wires, put in brick
sidewalks, and erected historical lights along our main street, Beverley. Well start
on Augusta Street this year." The city is also constructing a $3.8-million parking
garage with an exterior
designed to blend in with its historic surroundings. Staunton is in the midst of a fund
drive for the Blackfriars Playhouse, a reproduction of the theatre by the same name in
London where many of Shakespeares plays were produced. The playhouse will be home
base for the professional Shenandoah Shakespeare Company.